MEDAN-PUBLIC RELATIONS USU: The Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, has openly expressed his support for the inspirational film titled “Samudera,” an educational film that addresses themes of education, social inequality, and environmental awareness.

According to Prof. Muryanto, films that address important social life issues are highly relevant to the academic world, making it essential to produce more of them.

“The issues raised in the film ‘Samudera’ are very interesting and educational. USU is ready to support screening the film on campus, so it can provide new insights and motivation for students to be more concerned about the environment and social issues,” he said during a meeting with the film production team of “Samudera” in the Rector’s Office Building at USU on Tuesday (July 15).

The film production team that conducted the meeting included Dewi Budiati Teruna Jasa Said (producer), Egi Fauzi Fahreza (director), Zainul Anwar (marketing team), H Mansyur Nasution (project manager), and Fardansyah (assistant director).

“Films effectively convey moral messages to the younger generation, especially students. I have no hesitation in supporting this film, and once it is in its final editing stage, I am willing to promote it to other university rectors so it can be screened on their campuses,” added the USU rector.

Ready to Collaborate

Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin also stated his institution’s readiness to collaborate with artists and filmmakers in North Sumatra.

“The film, which addresses themes of social inequality and the struggle for education and the environment, aligns with USU’s academic values and mission to raise public awareness of national, humanitarian, and environmental issues. We welcome such collaborations. Many programs at USU can be directly involved, from production, social research, to the distribution of educational messages to the community,” said Prof. Muryanto.

He also emphasized that as a center of knowledge, the university has a moral responsibility to support film as a medium for conveying messages of change. “We are open to collaboration, whether in the form of discussions, film screenings, or other collaborative projects,” he added.

Meanwhile, the producer of the film “Samudera,” Dewi Budiati Teruna Jasa Said, appreciated the support given by the USU rector. They hope this collaboration will not stop at a single work but open up opportunities for sustained synergy between education and creative filmmaking.

Dewi Budiati and her production team expressed deep gratitude for the support extended by the USU rector. She stated that the film production team will conduct a roadshow to various campuses, with the first screening at USU.

“This screening is part of an educational campaign to introduce the film to a wider audience of students and academics,” explained Dewi Budiati TJS.

“This film is hoped to inspire the moral values of the nation’s youth, especially the younger generation, to be more concerned about social and environmental issues,” added the film’s director, Egi Fauzi Fahreza.

He said the editing process is expected to be completed this month, and the film will be ready for release soon. The presence of the film “Samudera” is intended to revive the sluggish film production in North Sumatra. This film is hoped to bring fresh air to the local film industry and inspire students to continue creating works for the nation’s progress,” added Project Manager H Mansyur Nasution.

Previously, Dewi revealed that the film “Samudera” aims to stir the audience's hearts with the story of a young man's struggle to save children from the threats of drugs and environmental damage, particularly coral reefs.

The film addresses critical issues often overlooked, such as the widespread circulation of drugs targeting the younger generation and the degradation of marine environments due to human activities. With a strong and touching storyline, “Samudera” highlights the importance of the younger generation's role in safeguarding the nation's future and preserving nature.

Through the main character's challenging journey, viewers are invited to witness real-life efforts to protect children from the dangers of drugs while also educating the public about the importance of preserving coral reefs as a vital marine ecosystem.

The film's producer stated that Samudera is not merely entertainment but also an educational and social awareness tool. “We want to convey the message that hope still exists, as long as there is the courage to care and take action,” said the producer.

The film is hoped to inspire the younger generation and receive support from various parties, including educational institutions, so that the moral and environmental messages in the film can reach a wider audience. (RJ)